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1. POWER DISTANCE
Power distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful members of
institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is
distributed unequally. It has to do with the fact that a societys inequality is
endorsed by the followers as much as by the leaders.
Japan is near the world average in power distance, according to Hofstedes
studies. Japan is a borderline hierarchical society. Yes, Japanese are always
conscious of their hierarchical position in any social setting and act
accordingly.However, recent trends suggest that the Japanese are beginning to
question those in power more frequently. This change has occurred dramatically
in the political arena where there have been no fewer than 14 prime ministers in
the last 20 years (Economist, 2010). These displays of power change and
willingness to criticize suggest that Japan is becoming less tolerant of power
distance, a stance very reflective of the U.S.
United States is Power Distance (PDI) at 40, compared to the world Average of
55. This is indicative of a greater equality between societal levels, including
government, organizations, and even within families. This orientation reinforces
a cooperative interaction across power levels and creates a more stable cultural
examples. In corporate Japan, you see long term orientation in the constantly
high rate of investment in R&D even in economically difficult times, higher
own capital rate, priority to steady growth of market share rather than to a
quarterly profit, and so on. While American culture in contrast is short term
oriented, American businesses measure their performance on a short-term
basis, with profit and loss statements being issued on a quarterly basis. This
also drives individuals to strive for quick results within the work place.
6. INDULGENCE
The American society reflected by the following contradictory attitudes and
behaviour: Work hard and play hard. The States has waged a war against drugs and
is still very busy in doing so, yet drug addiction in the States is higher than in many
other wealthy countries. It is a prudish society yet even some well-known
televangelists appear to be immoral. With little interms of savings nd a dependency
on debt,this reflects a society thats high on indulgence. Japan on the other hand
has a culture of Restraint. Japanese society has a tendency to cynicism and
pessimism. Also, in contrast to Americans, Japanese do not put much emphasis on
leisure time and control the gratification of their desires